Termites are nasty bugs and they cause big problems. We know how to get rid of 'em.

Of the two species found in Florida,  subterranean termites are by far the most destructive. Subterranean termites primarily live underneath the ground, but they are also found above ground in moist, secluded areas. Their colonies can contain as many as two million termites! If left unchecked, these hungry pests can collapse entire buildings and cause great financial loss.

Because subterranean termites are rarely seen in the open, you may not notice their presence until damage becomes apparent. Evidence of infestation includes swarming termites, termite wings or dead termites in window sills. Other signs of termite infestation are tubes of mud and/or damaged wood inside or around the structure. 

Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites live in sound, dry wood above ground level. The drywood species gets enough moisture from the wood it digests to survive and thrive. Drywood termites can cause severe damage to more than just homes and buildings. They can also infest furniture, cabinets, shelves, picture frames and other precious possessions.   

Drywood termites may enter buildings through attic or foundation vents, under eaves and fascia boards and through gaps around doors and windows. Often, the first sign of infestation is the presence of fecal pellets and/or swarming winged insects. Drywood termites lose their wings quickly after swarming, and the wings are an important marker for correct identification.

Termites can easily be mistaken for other less harmful insects. They may look similar in size to flying ants (about one-half inch in length), but there are several ways to tell them apart. Most notably, the wings of termites are all the same length but ants have longer wings in front than in back. Termites have thick or no waistlines, while ants are segmented with narrow waists. In addition, the antennae of termites are completely straight, and an ant's antennae are typically bent.

Recommendations for termite treatment can be made after a professional inspection.